GambleAware, a UK charity focused on addressing gambling-related harm, has released a report detailing its voluntary funding arrangements and donations received between April 2022 and December 2022. The charity aims to promote transparency by disclosing these contributions on a quarterly basis. During this period, GambleAware received a total of £13.2m ($16.4m) in voluntary and additional donations, with the majority coming from two prominent operators, bet365 and Entain. The report also highlights the commitment of major operators to increase their funding for research, prevention, and treatment initiatives in the future.
Enhancing Transparency:
GambleAware emphasizes its commitment to transparency by publicly disclosing the donations it receives from those who derive an income from gambling in Britain. This approach ensures accountability and provides insight into the charity’s financial position. By posting these donations quarterly, GambleAware keeps the public informed about its funding arrangements.
Donation Breakdown:
Between April and December 2022, GambleAware received voluntary and additional donations amounting to £13.2m. Notably, the two largest contributors, bet365 and Entain, accounted for 90% of the total funds received. bet365 donated £4.9m, while Entain contributed £7m. The remaining 10% of donations came from various other UK-licensed operators, including smaller operators who fulfilled the minimum donation requirement of £250.
Increasing Contributions:
GambleAware highlights the upward trend in donations from the UK’s four largest operators since 2020. This positive trajectory can be attributed to a commitment facilitated by the Betting & Gaming Council. This agreement stipulates that major operators must increase their funding for research, prevention, and treatment initiatives to 1% of their gross gaming yield by the 2023-2024 financial year. Operators have until 31 March 2023 to make their donations to GambleAware to be included in the current financial year.
Minimum Donation Requirements:
Under existing regulations, operators are required to donate a minimum of 0.1% of their annual gross gambling yield (GGY) to GambleAware each year. Operators with a GGY below £250,000 are obligated to contribute a minimum of £250 to the charity. These donations support GambleAware’s efforts in providing assistance through the National Gambling Treatment Service.
Supporting the National Gambling Treatment Service:
GambleAware emphasizes that the funds received throughout the financial year will be instrumental in supporting the National Gambling Treatment Service. The charity aims to utilize these contributions to further develop and enhance treatment options for individuals affected by gambling-related harm.
GambleAware’s recent report on voluntary donations provides valuable insights into the financial support it receives from operators in the UK. With a total of £13.2m received between April and December 2022, the charity acknowledges the significant contributions from major operators such as bet365 and Entain. The commitment by these operators to increase their funding for research, prevention, and treatment initiatives demonstrates a positive shift towards addressing gambling-related harm. GambleAware remains dedicated to its mission of providing support to those affected by gambling-related issues through the National Gambling Treatment Service, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary assistance and resources for a safer gambling environment.